Baptists believe in the supremacy of the scriptures. They do not have a formal church hierarchy. In fact, they call themselves denominations instead of churches. Each local denomination is an independent autonomous unit. Baptists believe in baptism (by full immersion of the body into water) of believers, rather than of infants. There is, however, no body of official Baptist doctrine, as you might find in other religions.

Baptists hold sway in the Bible Belt region, which covers much of the south and Texas. Communities in this region, especially in rural areas, are among the most religious in the country. A New York City bank might give you a free toaster if you open an account; the Dallas bank would give you a free bible. Four American Presidents Harding, Truman, Carter, and Clinton have been Baptists.

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